By an overwhelming 42-7 vote, the City Council yesterday handed Mayor Bloomberg the tough anti-smoking bill he wanted after months of intense negotiations and public outcry.

Council members proclaimed the bill a victory for New Yorkers who work in bars and other places where smoking will soon be banned.

The measure, which Bloomberg is expected to sign into law soon, doubles the fines imposed on establishment owners for someone smoking in prohibited areas to $200 for the first offense and up to $2,000 for repeat offenders. The law could take effect as early as April.

In other council business, anti-graffiti measures were strengthened with a ban on the sale of etching acid for most people. Fines also were increased for littering and illegal posting of posters.